Adult pinyons are hardy, trees, tolerant of sun, wind, predation and drought. However, they are difficult to start as seedlings.
Pinyons are native to southwestern (and western) North America. In the U.S. they span from California to Texas, and from Wyoming to New Mexico.
In Mexico, they span most of the country, but are more prevalent in the northern states of Taumalipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahulla, Chihuahua, Sonora and Baja Norte.
Generally growing in higher elevations but they can also be found in lower areas.
The adult trees are long-lived and slow-growing, impervious to dessicating winds and blazing sun of arid regions, and are xerophytic.
However, the seedlings are tender, need to be grown in dappled shade or on eastern or northern hillsides, or on the eastern or norther sides of structures.
They also need regular watering, but, are sensitive to too much irrigation. They need to be protected from animal damage, because chipmunks, porcupines and mule deer love the tender needles.
It takes about a year of care to establish a pinyon seedling.
The seedlings love well-drained soil, but don't do well in heavy clay soils.
Articles about the care and planting of pinyon seedlings, as well as pinyon diseases and insect enemies can be found at the sites below.
Read about care of pinyons here:
